We had the good fortune of connecting with Monique Rodriguez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Monique, what’s the most important thing you’ve done for your children?
The most important thing I’ve done as a parent in terms of impact is being present. Being intentional of our time together, diversifying bookshelves, tv shows, movies, games, languages and toys. Staying active with them being outside with nature is just as important for their creativity and health. Teaching them kindness, empathy, and love.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Professionally I’ve had my challenges just like everyone else. The most important part of my story is that I am sharing it. I used to be embarrassed about my shortcomings: graduating college “late”, being let go from a job, getting demoted, or inability to speak up for equal pay. Now I share these shortcomings more openly as it may inspire someone else and encourage them to stand up for themselves.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
All of my best friends are local so we tend to stick to Long Beach, Hollywood, Orange County (too many beach cities to name just one), Pasadena and DTLA. I would quantify my favorite cities by streets or piers; 2nd Street – Long Beach, Santa Monica Pier, Melrose/ Sunset/ Hollywood Blvd. – Hollywood, Birch Street – Brea, Main Street – Huntington Beach, Lake Ave. / Colorado Blvd. – Pasadena. Any one of these locations have a handful of things to do. The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My shoutout would go to all of my mom coworkers. I’m only a year into this mom role, and working full time while caring for a little person is a whole new level of challenging. Pre-baby I didn’t think their was any more time left in a day to squeeze in being a mom. How wrong I was and I have to thank my support team of work mothers to help keep it all in perspective.

Website: www.rosebowlstadium.com

Image Credits
Heather Purdy

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.